Summer Message series:
"Reason for God-- Belief in an Age of Skepticism"

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Why does God allow suffering in the world?

 

How could a loving God send people to Hell?

 

Why isn’t Christianity more inclusive?

 

How can one religion be “right” and the others “wrong”?

 

Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God?

 

These are just a few of the questions and doubts even ardent believers wrestle with today. As the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Timothy Keller has compiled a list of the most frequently voiced “doubts” skeptics bring to his church as well as the most important reasons for faith. And in The Reason for God, he addresses each doubt and explains each reason.

Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and reasoning to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people of intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth.

 

The Reason for God will be our Summer Sunday Message series and Book Study at SRC. Beginning THIS Sunday June 15, and for seven consecutive Sundays through July 27, we will look at each of the most seven thoughtful objections to the Christian faith today-- and the compelling reasons for believing in God and following Jesus Christ today.

 

This Sunday we will address the objection: "There can't be just ONE true religion."  How do we, as followers of Jesus Christ, respnd to people who say that we will never come to know peace on earth if religious leaders, and Christians in particular, keep on making exclusive claims to truth?  What does reason say to this...what doe the Bible say...what does Jesus say to this?

 

This is exactly the kind of message series to which you can invite an unchurched friend., or a friend who has objections to the Christian faith.... And I hope and pray you will invite them!

If you'd like to order the book and be part of a study group with others, please see me.  You can check out the book and the author at www.thereasonforgod.com

 

 

Beginning this Sunday at both 9am AND 10am we will worship in the Cafeteria!

 

In order to give our incredible and awesome set-up/take-down team a break, we are moving both our Sunday worship services into the LRES Cafeteria.  Nothing will change at 9am, but we won't have powerpoint or sound enhancement equipoment at 10am.... Instead, we will use written Worship Booklets that contain the WHOLE service, with inserts for songs and announcements.

 

This will literally eliminate 80% of the set-up and take-down that our team does!  Worried about the sound?  Not to worry:  the acoustics are actually BETTER in the cafeteria, and we intend to make the worship space more intimate and "holy" through the use of worship banners and dividers.  And there will continue to be plenty of worship and prayer at 10am.

 

Just a reminder:  at 9am there is a fully staffed nursery and Sunday school ONLY for toddlers.  Sunday school for K-8 remains at 10am only, in addition to the fully-staffed nursery and toddler care.  We will open the gym up for play for the older children from 11:30-12:30pm.

 

 

Friday June 20:  Meet and Greet Coffee with Dr. Larry Kennedy  7-8pm

 

For all SRCA parents with children five years and under--  This is a time to meet Dr. Larry Kennedy, who has offered to lead "Parenting with a Purpose" seminars for us in October!  Come and meet Larry... Find out what he has been doing with other parents in these seminars for the last 20+ years in Northern Virgina, his parentin g approaches, the resources he intends to offer, and how this can become a vital support and encouragement group for parents at SRCA...AND a safe place to bring unchurched friends too! 

 

Many thanks to Jason and Katy Wheeler for opening their home for this event!  26016 Iverson Drive,  IN South Riding (off of Flintonbridge Rd)   703-327-5051.  Coffee, dessert and childcare will be provided!

 

Saturday June 21:  SRCA Family Picnic in Frying Pan Park  3:45pm-?

 

This Fairfax County Park is nearby has farm animals, tractor rides, a playground, a country store, and lots of green grass for a picnic.
 
Families can arrive at 3:45, in time to take about a 20 minute tractor/wagon ride ($2 per person), or peruse the country store and then view the farm animals afterwards. We will gather on the green near the playground at about 5:15 for a picnic. Self-guided activities are obviously optional! But the picnic time will be our focal point. Then you can choose to stay until dusk..... or not!  All families, groups, or individuals are responsible for bringing their own picnic food and supplies, and a dessert to share. Don't forget to bring your chairs, blankets and sunscreen, maybe some bug spray too. (Bathroom facilities are available. Limited picnic tables available, so be prepared.)

 

Sunday June 22:  Guest Celebrant:  The Rt. Rev. Daniel Gimadu

 

Bishop Daniel leads the Diocese of North Mbale in the Church of Uganda, and was host to the SOMA team that visited last summer the Fr. Phil led, and that included Rev. Kathleen Christopher, Zita Collins and Young Hee Lanzillotti.  He is on a layover on his way to the Global Gathering of Anglican Bishops in Jersualem.  Our own Fr. Noah Shuwu serves under Bishop Daniel as Development Officer for the Diocese of North Mbale.  Come and meet Bishop Daniel and receive greetings from our brothers and sisters in Christ in North Mbale.

 

 

Yours in Christ,

Phil+

 

Rev. J. Philip Ashey
Rector, South Riding Church (Anglican)